The teacher should possess this same faith [in the child]. In fact, he should become imbued by it so that he may contemplate with the same hope any...

The school must be invigorated by a new spirit, animated by a wise teacher, wiser than any other human being because he knows and respects the laws...

Once the teacher understands that mysterious powers exist within the child, and that these reveal themselves spontaneously through the child’s...

The child realises that through his own efforts he can be independent and achieve things he has set his mind to. And gradually we educators are...

In school the teacher stands by, she does not correct or interfere with the child’s work. When something goes wrong she waits to be asked for help...

We make learning difficult for children by trying to teach them by means of grown-up methods; the natural and happy way for children to learn, however...

I do say that ‘don’ts’ are far less effective – indeed they are often definitely harmful when they fill a young child with fear or resentment – than...

We can love our children so dearly that it makes us blind to what is best for them. We can desire so eagerly that they shall grow into fine men and...

Children of three or four will concentrate for an hour at a time without effort, and we are careful not to destroy this new power by the arbitrary...

On every teacher and every parent, I urge not great instruction, but humility and simplicity in dealing with small children. Their lives are fresh...